Radford Takes on Arkansas State in NIT Matchup

Highlanders and Red Wolves clash in postseason tournament battle

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:19am

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The Radford Highlanders (23-12, 14-5 Big South) will face off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves (24-9, 15-5 Sun Belt) in a National Invitation Tournament matchup on Monday, March 23, 2026 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Red Wolves enter the game with a strong 15-5 conference record and a 9-4 mark in non-conference play, while the Highlanders boast a 14-5 Big South record.

Why it matters

This postseason NIT matchup features two teams that had successful regular seasons in their respective conferences. The game will showcase the talents of key players like Radford's Joi Williams and Georgia Simonsen, as well as Arkansas State's Mia Tarver and Zyion Shannon, as they compete for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

The details

Arkansas State averages 10.3 made 3-pointers per game, 4.4 more than the 5.9 per game that Radford allows. However, Radford shoots at a 39.4% rate from the field, 1.9 percentage points less than the 41.3% shooting opponents of Arkansas State have averaged. The Red Wolves are led by Tarver, who shoots 34.3% from beyond the arc and averages 9 points and 1.7 steals per game. For Radford, Williams averages 15.1 points and 2 steals, while Simonsen puts up 15.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game over the last 10 contests.

  • The game will be played on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 8 p.m. EDT.
  • Radford has gone 8-2 in its last 10 games, averaging 76 points, 33.7 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 8.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field.
  • Arkansas State has a 5-5 record in its last 10 games, averaging 72.2 points, 33.2 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 13 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 35.3% from the field.

The players

Joi Williams

A key player for the Radford Highlanders, averaging 15.1 points and 2 steals per game.

Georgia Simonsen

Radford's leading scorer over the past 10 games, averaging 15.2 points and 7.4 rebounds.

Mia Tarver

Arkansas State's sharpshooter, averaging 9 points and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 34.3% from 3-point range.

Zyion Shannon

Averaging 11.4 points and 2.4 steals per game over the last 10 contests for the Red Wolves.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a tough matchup between two teams that had great regular seasons. Both squads have talented players who can take over a game, so it should be an exciting postseason battle.”

— Joi Williams, Radford Guard

“We're excited to be in the NIT and have the chance to keep our season going. Arkansas State is a tough opponent, but we're confident in our ability to compete and advance.”

— Mia Tarver, Arkansas State Guard

What’s next

The winner of this game will advance to the next round of the National Invitation Tournament.

The takeaway

This NIT matchup between Radford and Arkansas State features two teams that had successful regular seasons and are now looking to extend their campaigns in the postseason. The game will showcase the talents of key players on both sides as they compete for a spot in the next round of the tournament.